PEG-50 SHEA BUTTER

INCI: PEG-50 SHEA BUTTER | Function: Emollient, Skin Conditioning | Type: Moisturizer

What Is PEG-50 SHEA BUTTER?

A PEG-50 ether of shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii), one of the most treasured natural emollients in skincare. Shea butter is rich in stearic and oleic acids, vitamins A and E, and unique unsaponifiable compounds. The PEG-50 chain transforms this normally thick, oily butter into a water-dispersible emollient that delivers shea butter's legendary moisturizing and skin-softening benefits in water-based cosmetic formulations.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Shea butter benefits in water-based formulas — deep moisturization without the greasy feel of pure shea
+ Natural emollient complex — delivers fatty acids, vitamins, and phytosterols from shea
+ Barrier support — shea butter's fatty acid profile complements skin's natural lipids
+ Anti-inflammatory — shea butter contains cinnamic acid esters with documented soothing properties

Pros

+ Shea butter is one of the most researched natural emollients — extensive PubMed literature on skin benefits
+ CIR-reviewed — PEG shea derivatives considered safe
+ Plant-derived — shea butter is renewable and supports African women's cooperatives
+ Non-comedogenic — PEG modification reduces comedogenic potential of pure shea butter
+ Multi-functional — moisturizes, softens, soothes, and protects

Cons

− High PEG content (50 units) — significant ethoxylation, though cosmetic-grade purification is standard
− Water-soluble form delivers less of shea's unsaponifiable fraction per gram vs pure shea butter
− Natural origin but heavily processed — does not meet 'natural' certification standards
− Trace nut allergen potential — shea is a tree nut (though allergic reactions are extremely rare)

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Semi-synthetic
Natural Level	Natural-derived

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Rich moisturizers	1-5%
Body lotions	1-5%
Hand creams	1-5%

References

CIR (2018) — Safety Assessment of Shea Butter-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics.
Lin TK et al. (2018) — Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. PMID: 29280987.
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Akihisa T et al. (2010) — Anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effects of triterpene cinnamates from shea fat. J Oleo Sci. PMID: 20560011.

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